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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 7


Page 7 of 47

Can AI understand the human brain better than humans?

A novel AI framework uses speech patterns to detect cognitive decline years before traditional tools can, offering non-invasive screening for neurodegenerative conditions. The approach analyzes complex dynamics and transitions hidden in speech to reveal subtle patterns and extract objective biomarkers from natural patient behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2026

Efficacy of immunosuppressive regimens for survival of stem cell-derived grafts

A new study has identified optimized immunosuppressive strategies that allow transplanted iPSC-CMs to survive without immune rejection in non-human primates. The researchers found a triple-drug regimen consisting of methylprednisolone, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolate mofetil reliably prevents acute immune rejection.

SourceShinshu University·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Most EV charging stations are out of walking distance for older Montrealers, Concordia research shows

A Concordia University study reveals that nearly half of Montreal's elderly care facilities lack public EV charging stations within a 15-minute walk. This limits access not only for residents but also for caregivers and staff. Strategically placing new chargers in underserved areas can improve accessibility without expanding the network.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Urban Mobility·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2026

Overlooked threat: dams trigger temperature-driven disease in iconic salmonid fish

A new study reveals that small river impoundments significantly elevate water temperatures and increase the pathogenic impact of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) among brown trout. Dams create hotspots for the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, leading to higher infection prevalence and severe disease progression.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 2026

Researchers develop high-performance vacuum ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystal ABF

The development of fluorooxoborate crystal NH4B4O6F (ABF) resolves the field challenge of meeting all criteria for VUV NLO materials. ABF achieves excellent VUV transparency, a strong NLO coefficient, and substantial birefringence while fulfilling practical criteria such as large crystal size and high laser-induced damage threshold.

Applications of artificial intelligence and smart devices in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

This review synthesizes current applications of AI and smart devices in MASLD care, discussing their benefits and limitations. AI models leverage EHR, laboratory data, and multi-omics information to predict risk and severity, while also enhancing medical imaging interpretation and liver histopathology assessment.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

New clinical trial demonstrates that eating beef each day does not affect risk factors for type 2 diabetes

A randomized controlled trial with 24 adults found that consuming 6-7 ounces of beef per day did not impact risk factors for type 2 diabetes or other cardiometabolic health markers. The study suggests that regular beef intake supports heart health and does not adversely affect blood sugar regulation or inflammation.

SourceIndiana University School of Public Health·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 28, 2026

Up to 31.3% body weight loss, Insilico Medicine nominates AI-powered GIPR antagonist ISM0676 as preclinical candidate, showing synergistic efficacy in combination therapy

ISM0676 demonstrates excellent metabolic stability, superior efficacy at low doses, and a favorable safety profile, leading to significant body weight reduction and improved body composition. The compound's synergistic efficacy with Semaglutide supports its further clinical development as an obesity treatment.

Study reveals value of roadkill for scientific research

A review of 300 peer-reviewed studies found roadkill being used to map species distributions, monitor disease and environmental pollution, study diets, track invasive species, supply museum collections, and discover new species. This approach offers ethical advantages by avoiding live capture and handling.

SourceRMIT University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 28, 2026

ATP-binding cassette transporter defects and their roles in hepatic diseases

ABCA–ABCG transporters play a crucial role in biliary secretion, with mutations leading to various hepatobiliary disorders. Next-generation genetic testing enables tailored management, while emerging therapies hold promise for cholestatic diseases. Genetic counseling is recommended for family planning and risk assessment.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

SLAS receives grant from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to develop lab automation educational guidelines

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has developed a comprehensive framework to educate scientists on laboratory automation, addressing the growing gap between technology adoption and training pathways. The project aims to create shared standards for automation education, expanding access to training across instit...

Serum interleukin-8 for differentiating invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from bacterial pneumonia in patients with HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure

A study found that serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels can differentiate invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from bacterial pneumonia in patients with HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in IPA patients compared to non-infection controls.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

A randomized trial evaluating an unmedicated acne-concealing hydrogel patch on the appearance of acne and its psychological impact on quality of life

A randomized, open-label trial evaluated an unmedicated acne-concealing hydrogel patch on appearance and psychological impact. The treatment group experienced significant reductions in lesion size and severity, as well as improved quality of life scores.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Bitter taste receptors at the interface between nutrition, the endocrine system, and health

Research shows that bitter taste receptors can be activated by steroid hormones, influencing physiological processes. The study found that certain hormone types, like progesterone and testosterone, activate these receptors, which may play a role in pregnancy-related taste changes or stress-induced physiological responses.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

TF-rs1049296 C>T variant modifies the association between hepatic iron stores and liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

A study found that the TF-rs1049296 C>T variant is associated with a higher risk of significant liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD, particularly in those with RES iron deposition. The variant was also linked to increased risk of SF in mixed hepatocellular/RES iron deposition patterns.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

Understanding how smart polymer solutions transition to gels around body temperature

A team of researchers from Chiba University discovered the structural evolution of poloxamer mixtures at different temperatures, enabling customized gelation behavior. Their findings support precise design of sustained-release formulations for localized therapies, enhancing drug retention and minimizing side effects.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Do men develop cardiovascular disease earlier than women?

A recent study analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study and found that men developed coronary heart disease 10 years before women. The study indicates that this sex gap remains, with men having a higher cumulative incidence of cardiovascular disease and its subtypes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 28, 2026

Fecal microbiota transplantation improves response to immunotherapy in advanced kidney cancer: TACITO study published in Nature Medicine

A new study found that fecal microbiota transplantation can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The research showed improved clinical outcomes, including longer progression-free survival and higher response rates, in patients who received donor-derived fecal microbiota t...

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 28, 2026

Being a night owl may increase your heart risk

Middle-aged and older adults who were more active in the evenings had poorer cardiovascular health compared to their peers who were more active during the day. This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that evening chronotypes are associated with behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 28, 2026

Fast-growing trees are taking over the forests of the future and putting biodiversity and climate resilience under pressure

The world's forests are becoming homogenized, with fast-growing tree species dominating landscapes. Biodiversity is declining as slow-growing, specialized species disappear, compromising ecosystem stability and carbon storage. Active ecosystem management is essential to halt the loss of these threatened species.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

Research Spotlight: a new “lab-on-a-disc” device paves the way for more automated liquid biopsies

Researchers developed an innovative centrifugal system called SpinEx that separates plasma, enriches EVs, and labels proteins in one device. The technology enables fast and automated EV isolation from small blood volumes, accurately distinguishing cancer from non-cancer samples and identifying specific tumor types.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 28, 2026

Parental firearm injury linked to increased mental health burden in children

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children whose parents were injured by firearms experience substantial mental health impacts, with a 42% increase in psychiatric diagnoses and 60% increase in mental health visits. Early, targeted interventions are needed to address this growing need.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 28, 2026